Merseyside Police has set up a unit dedicated to supporting women and men living in fear in their own homes.

The five-strong team works with other agencies to offer advice.

Sefton's domestic violence unit received 4,188 calls last year which led to 1,429 arrests and 80 per cent of those original calls led to a referral to Sefton Women's And Children's Aid .

The unit helps vulnerable victims or witnesses throughout criminal cases, but also deals with non-criminal matters, referring those involved to other agencies like social services, SWACA or Sefton Alcohol Services.

Sgt Lee Stinchcombe, who leads the team of four constables, said: "It's a misconception it's just partners. Parents can face abuse from children.

"There's a certain image of a husband beating his wife but it can be emotional abuse as well as any sort of physical violence."

The unit also plans to hold surgeries at A&E wards or local health centres across Sefton where victims can seek help from plain clothes officers.

* Ring the team on 777-3087/9, SWACA on 920-6072, or the north Sefton branch on 01704-500647, or the national helpline Worst Kept Secret on 0800-0283398 or textphone 0800-0283397.